Solar Panels by Composition

The leading solar technologies today are Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar cells and the thin film technologies of: Copper Indium diSelenide (CIS), Cadmium Indium Gallium diSelinide (CIGS), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), and Amorphous Silicon (a-Si). Each has its advantages, for example, amorphous cells work well under low light and flouriest lights (blue wavelengths). Polycrystalline modules are less expensive than mono crystalline yet offer similar energy outputs making them great alternatives for large solar arrays.

Learn more about the differences between these technologies in the categories below and discover which of our manufacturers produce a solar panel that best fits your application.

Solar Cell Efficiencies

New solar technologies are being developed every day. Laboratory tests continue to push the envelope of rated efficiencies. In 2007 scientists surpassed 40% efficiency during controlled laboratory testing, a first in the solar world! Currently, the highest consumer grade panels produce efficiencies of around 20% for mono crystalline, down to around 10% for amorphous thin film technologies.

Manufacturers are competing to increase solar cell efficiencies, longevity of disposition, and spectral scope all while lowering manufacturing costs or at the very least establishing a viable production matrix. The newest trend is incorporating micro or nano technologies and creating new combinations of elements. The future looks bright!